Just a suggestion since it is on the engine stand...... fill up the tall oil filter it will use with the filter sitting out and the opening facing up; refill it several times to allow the element to soak in the oil; it'll take close to a quart. Flip the engine over upside down and install the filter, then flip the engine right side up again. You'll get a partial oil prime that way (since you can't do it with normal methods). Make sure the oil drain plug is in.
BTW, did you change the timing chain while you have it on the stand? T'would be a very good idea and a very easy time to do it. The timing cover can be pulled and reinstalled without pulling the pan if you do it right, and it would be sooo easy right now. With 69,000 miles, the chain can easily be stretched enough to retard cam timing several degrees and that will definitely show up in labored throttle response off-idle and mid-range.
Got any pix from under the valve cover and looking down into the pushrod/lifter galleries?
Happy New Year!
